Befriending Service

The Befriending Service supports;

• Individuals who are at least eighteen years of age who have a life limiting illness
• Family members/carers who are at least eighteen years of age and are providing care/support for an adult who has a life limiting illness.

Befrienders work in the patient’s home and also in the community undertaking a range of practical tasks with, or on behalf of, the patient and/or a family member/carer.

"The Befriending Service Volunteer’s presence in my home was so reassuring."

The length of time a Befriender supports someone is determined by their individual need. It may be as short as a couple of weeks or over a more extensive period of time.

Befriender duties may include;

• Providing periods of companionship for a patient within their home.
• Providing light meals/drinks during a period of companionship/respite
• Shopping and other small errands.
• Providing transport/accompanying someone to an appointment.
• Accompanying and supporting an individual to access social and leisure activities.
• Dog walking
• Spending time with a patient while a family member/carer has time to themselves.

The Befriending Service is designed to reduce isolation and loneliness, increase confidence and independence, thus promoting psychological, emotional and social well-being.